Fort Wayne, Indiana—Long-time Fort Wayne banker and community leader Mike Eikenberry will join Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) as the new dean of the Richard T. Doermer School of Business. Eikenberry begins his new duties on July 1. Otto Chang, the school's current dean, is returning to teaching and research.

"I am impressed with the Doermer School, especially the excellent faculty and the school's accreditation," said Eikenberry. "I'm very interested in helping create a stronger relationship between the school and local businesses. We really need to work in the business community to let them know what we have to offer."

Eikenberry sees his history in Fort Wayne as a key asset in his new position. "I have longstanding relationships within this community, having worked with local and regional businesspeople for quite a few years, and having been heavily involved in the fund-raising and foundation side of the community. That gives me a very broad reach."

"Mike's significant leadership roles over many years in Fort Wayne and the region, his relationships, and the respect and stature of his work will serve IPFW exceedingly well as we re-envision the next generation of business students and prepare business leaders of the future," said Chancellor Vicky Carwein.

"Mr. Eikenberry is uniquely positioned to provide the leadership and vision necessary to review, realign, and reallocate resources in order to significantly enhance the Doermer School’s reputation and connections to the economic life of northeast Indiana," said Carl Drummond, vice chancellor for academic affairs. "His ability to leverage the intellectual capital of the school will allow IPFW to achieve its goal of being a resource for region."

Eikenberry retired in 2013 after 10 years as the Indiana regional president of PNC Bank. His banking career started with consumer lending in 1966 when he joined Fort Wayne National Bank. He then moved into corporate banking, and advanced to the head of corporate lending. As National City acquired Fort Wayne National, and PNC then acquired National City, Eikenberry continued in leadership roles at the company. He was named Indiana regional president in 2003.

He also serves the region through his membership in the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana and Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. He has served in numerous leadership positions on a number of area non-profit boards, including the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, Junior Achievement, Lutheran Hospital, Mad Anthony's Charity Classic for Children, and the Salvation Army.

For additional information, contact John Kaufeld, chief communications officer, at 260-481-4174 or kaufeldj@ipfw.edu.